Peter and the Wolf

On Sunday night I realized that somehow Zeke’s music lesson plans hadn’t been updated to include a couple book/CD combos.  Since his work is winding down, I thought this week would be the perfect time to let Zeke and Graham listen and look.  I love sneaking orchestra and classical music study into their lessons!  This particular set is great because it explains what the music means … each character is represented by the music or melody from a different instrument.

Both boys sat still for the 10-15 minutes of listening … and they were interested. 

 

 

For the past couple months, Graham, our 3yo, has been very worried about wolves because he has heard them howling at night.  At one point during the reading, Peter’s grandfather says, “Silly boy, a wolf is dangerous.” With those words, I remembered his fear and thought maybe this wouldn’t be a good story for him to hear.  Then, later the wolf swallows the pet duck in one gulp.  Mmmm… 
But, Peter is brave and captures the wolf.  Graham hasn’t brought up the subject of wolves, yet.  If he does, I’ll have a story of bravery to which I can refer.  Hopefully the story and music instilled a lesson – walk with someone! – and courage in my little guy.

The Effect of Music

I NEED more music in my life.  Classical music has been a favorite of mine since ... well I really don't remember not listening to classical music because I studied dance from the age of three.  Classical music is incredibly relaxing - it's about the only thing that inspires my romantic side.  However, I forget to use it because my day is so cluttered up and I don't have a reliable CD player in my kitchen (most of my after school hours are spent in the kitchen area).  I've been searching for something similar to the spacemaker radio/cassette player I installed in my Fargo home so no valuable counter space is wasted with electronics.  But, I haven't found a spacemaker CD player with excellent reviews, yet.

I purchased the above pictured CD collection for Dash and his music study this year.  It includes Baroque selections from a variety of English, Italian, Mediterranean, and French composers, but focuses in particular on Bach (2 whole CD's are devoted to his works).

A visit

... with the local public school superintendant went well yesterday. Eric and I had considered a meeting last year to talk about instrument lessons and band, but it was just too much too fast after just moving (and not really feeling settled or able to take on something else). But, apparently being pregnant and due in November makes me ready and settled, now!!

I actually called yesterday, late in the morning, to see if I could set up a meeting. I wasn't expecting to speak to the superintendant himself ... and I wasn't expecting that he'd be ready and willing to meet right after lunch.

So, I asked Grandma & Grandpa Green Acres to watch Graham while I went to a brief meeting. I asked about football, instrument/band and speech club for Dash. He'll be in seventh grade and is eligible to participate in all, if we so desire. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I came away from the meeting with a really calm feeling.

Dash is at the age where he needs more than I can give him in the physical activity department. I have tried, but I'm 'not enough' to motivate him. So, we're hoping a little competition and someone else encouraging activity will be good for him. Do I worry about 'all the other stuff' that might go on?? YES, but I plan to implore the protection of St. Christopher.

As for instrument lessons and band, that depends upon the teacher's schedule. He hasn't learned how to play a band instrument, yet. So, lessons would be necessary to catch up to band-playing level.

I am really excited for him to participate in speech. All the kids have great memorization and projection skills. Dash has the potential to really be able to develop and use this skill we've been working on since kindergarten during Poetry memorization and recitation. We haven't talked to Dash about all of this, yet, so I hope some of it is interesting or motivating.

Six minus three equals three

Three left today; Dash and Zeke will visit grandma and grandpa for the whole week and hubby will be attending an ag show for work. That leaves me with two! Angelina, Graham and I plan to enjoy a quiet week.

Thus far, Graham is enjoying the freedom to color in Zeke's coloring books without being reprimanded by his brother. I expect his handi-work won't be found for quite some time.

Angelina finished school early and earned computer time. She has a couple Web-kinz that needed tending (according to her!). My goal is to help her get at least one 4-H project completed.

As for me, well, there's a list that needs to be done, and it isn't anything exciting. Right now, though, I'm going to see if we can figure out Angelina's game: Auditective Bingo Musical. It's pretty much musical intrument bingo. It must be played on the CD player's 'shuffle' or 'random' mode. She was very frustrated last time because the CD player did not have that capability.

My elementary music teacher had a similar game. Well, as similar as vinyl records can be!